IAN GRIFFITHS FROM ST DAVIDS FACES COURT OVER HORSE NEGLECT IN PEMBROKESHIRE

Ian Morgan Bert Griffiths, born on April 4, 1963, and residing in Pwll Caerog, Berea, St Davids, Pembrokeshire SA62 6DG, has been found guilty of neglecting his responsibilities towards five ponies under his care. The case, which drew significant attention, highlights the severity of animal neglect and the consequences faced by those who fail to provide proper care.

Griffiths, who holds the position of director in four different companies, was handed a five-year ban from keeping horses following his conviction. The court proceedings revealed that the ponies on his farm were in a dire state, with their hooves overgrown to the point of resembling 'Aladdin’s slippers,' a description used by the veterinarian to emphasize the extent of neglect. The animals were unable to walk properly, suffering from pain and discomfort caused by the neglect of hoof care.

During the court hearing, Griffiths pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the five ponies, which included three Shetland ponies and two Welsh Mountain ponies. The neglect occurred over a period stretching from December 3, 2016, to June 3, 2017. An RSPCA inspector, who visited the farm on June 3, 2017, described this case as the worst instance of overgrown hooves he had ever encountered.

On that day, the inspector found two Shetland ponies lying in awkward positions, clearly in distress. Their hooves were severely overgrown and misshapen, leading to significant pain. One of the ponies was observed standing with an arched back, attempting to shift its weight from its front to back legs in a desperate effort to find relief. It was evident that the animal was in 'severe pain,' and another pony was struggling to move at all. The veterinarian who examined the ponies described their hooves as looking like 'Aladdin’s slippers,' underscoring the grotesque neglect.

The inspector noted that the ponies were reluctant to move even a few steps, with one of them lying down almost immediately after being observed. The strain caused by the overgrown hooves would have placed undue stress on their ligaments and joints, which could not be alleviated by painkillers. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Griffiths surrendered the ponies to the RSPCA for treatment. After receiving care, three of the ponies were deemed fit for rehoming, although two continued to experience difficulties due to the prolonged neglect.

Veterinary assessments estimated that the hooves had not been trimmed for a period ranging from six months to a year. Prosecutor Jon Tarrant emphasized that while there was no suggestion of deliberate cruelty, Griffiths was aware of the animals’ condition, as he could see them from his home and chose not to act. This inaction was classified as prolonged neglect, reflecting a serious breach of animal welfare standards.

In mitigation, the court heard that Griffiths came from a long line of Pembrokeshire farmers spanning nine generations. He was described as a man of good character who expressed deep remorse for his actions. The case marked the first time any issues had arisen with his animals, which included not only the ponies but also 100 cattle, pigs, cats, and dogs on his 250-acre farm.

Defending counsel, David Williams, explained that Griffiths, a father of three, was under significant personal stress following the sudden death of his wife in 2010. This tragedy left him to manage the farm and care for their children alone. Williams stated, “He would not wish to see any animal suffer under any circumstances. This is overlaid with a deep sense of shame.”

Additionally, Griffiths operated a camping business called Celtic Camping, which could host up to 1,000 guests and employed a team of 12 full-time and four part-time staff during peak seasons. He also owned Pembrokeshire Logs Ltd, a logging company. The court was told that by October 2016, his children had left home, leaving him alone in an empty house, which contributed to his exhaustion and mental strain. He expressed profound regret for the suffering caused to the ponies.

The court sentenced Griffiths to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work and pay costs and charges totaling £415. Furthermore, he was banned from keeping horses for five years, a ban that expired in September 2022. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the legal responsibilities of pet and livestock owners in Pembrokeshire.